Even though Malan’s contract ran until early 2027, he said the aftermath of the historic T20I series win was an opportune moment to step down and create a transition ahead of the team’s next goal of the ODI World Cup next year.
Malan was appointed head coach in 2022, and in the four-year run, Ireland went to three consecutive T20 World Cups and won three Tests. In a statement, Malan said: “on the field, we can look back with great pride on our historic T20 World Cup victory against England in Melbourne, our first-ever Test victory against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi, the first home Test win vs Zimbabwe in Belfast, the historic T20 series win at home vs India and beating Pakistan, West Indies, South Africa.
“It has been an absolute privilege to work with these players, staff and the wider Irish cricket community. My family and I have had a wonderful experience living here, and we will look back on our time involved in Irish cricket with great affection.”
Malan’s exit will allow the incoming head coach – no announcement has been made yet – to work with the ODI team right away, with a five-game ODI series against Afghanistan scheduled at home in August.
Currently 11th on ICC’s ODI rankings, Ireland could need to go through a global qualifier event next year for an ODI World Cup spot. They have not played in the ODI World Cup since 2015, and the 2027 edition is the first one since 2019 to feature more than ten teams (14).
“Over recent months, we have been discussing the upcoming World Cup Qualifier cycle and what would best support the squad’s preparation,” Graeme West, Cricket Ireland’s director of high performance, said. “In those conversations, Heinrich expressed a desire to step back at this point, which aligned with our focus on ensuring continuity heading into that campaign.
“I would like to thank Heinrich for his dedication to the head coach role – through his leadership, he has worked hard to increase the depth of playing talent within the Irish system, which will benefit the squad immensely over the coming months and years.”
